Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a large and powerful breed that is primarily used as a shepherd's guard dog in the ancient times. This muscular dog's weight ranges from 150-200 pounds, stands between 30-40 inches for males, and 26-28 inches for females.

Coat

The coat of an average Anatolian Shepherd is an inch short at the least, rough with length of approximately 4 inches, and a little bit long neck hair. The Anatolian Shepherd is usually tan, or fawn-colored with black mask. They may have traces of white, but are generally solid color season after season.

Activity

The breed does best when they have a lot of exercise. They love it if they have jobs to do and flock to tend. Long daily walks and their own fenced yard where they can run freely are sufficient to keep them mentally and physically healthy.

Temperament

This breed is highly intelligent and reliable. They are suspicious of strangers, so it is important to always introduce visitors. Instinctively protective, courageous, and loyal, they make excellent guard dogs. Very loving towards family and children, this breed tends to be reserved around strangers.

Overview

The Anatolian Shepherd belongs to the Flock Guard group, a working group. With excellent problem solving skills, the breed is good for protection, herding, and watch dog. The Anatolian generally prefers to be outdoors, at any weather. They have above average trainability, and are usually recommended for experienced owners.

Care

This breed generally needs little grooming. The coat only needs to be brushed during shedding season. Although this breed sheds heavily, their shedding period is fairly short, and once their hair has been removed, they will not require routine grooming.

In keeping the coat clean and smooth, they only need to be rubbed down with a rubber glove. It may be difficult to keep a house clean during shedding season, but once you know when to expect it, it gradually becomes easier to handle. Watch out for ticks during tick seasons, though. Regular check-up with a veterinarian will ensure that the dogs are naturally clean and healthy.

These dogs are prone to hypothyroidism, eyelid entropion, hip dysplasia, and are sensitive to anesthesia. Their immunity usually takes longer to develop compared to many other breeds, and should therefore be given extra vaccinations against parvo virus.

Training

Natural guardians and very territorial, this breed rarely needs formal obedience training to learn how to protect their property. These dogs are fast-learners and very adaptive, so they take commands with minimal reprimanding. They require plenty of space though, so owners should take note that providing them adequate secured space where they can run around freely. As with other breeds, boundaries and rules should be taught. In owning an Anatolian shepherd, early socialization, consistent dominant leadership, and obedience training is imperative.

Character

The Anatolian Shepherd is a very loyal guard dog that shows possessiveness towards family, livestock, and property. Highly suspicious of strangers, this breed requires a formal introduction before accepting strangers which makes them an excellent guard dogs. Although this dog is affectionate, they must be supervised especially when around children because of their size and temper.